Lexington, SC (Paul Kirby) - Steven Ernest Mays, Jr., age 41, of Pelion, was sentenced earlier this week following a guilty plea in Lexington County to Felony DUI resulting in Death. Circuit Court Judge Frank R. Addy, Jr. imposed a prison sentence of 20 years in prison. Under South Carolina law, Felony DUI resulting in Death is classified as a violent crime and a “no parole” offense.
On June 23, 2018, Mays was speeding and passing other vehicles recklessly in total disregard for the safety of others and himself. He was travelling on Highway 178 near the Pelion area of Lexington County. At some point, he lost control of his pickup truck, struck a ditch, and the rolled over several times. His cousin, Robert Andrew Mays, age 40 was riding in the truck with him. Robert Mays was thrown from the truck and died at a local hospital as a result of his injuries.
Troopers obtained a blood sample from Steven Mays Jr. following the crash. The lab at SLED analyzed the blood sample. They found his blood alcohol level was .15 or almost twice the legal limit to drive in South Carolina and most states across the US.
The case was investigated by the S.C. Highway Patrol, led by Trooper Jason Gilbert. He is a part of the Highway Patrol’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team.
The prosecutor, Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Todd Wagoner said after the plea, “This case is another example of someone making a life altering decision after drinking. Tragedies of this nature are entirely preventable.”
